Slaughter & The Dogs, the true legends of Manchester UK punk rock have returned with a brand new album of guitar-driven savagery, their first in 15 years!

Formed in 1975 in Wythenshawe, Manchester, England, they were one of the first UK punk bands to sign with a major label, Decca Records. Their original lineup consisted of Wayne Barrett (vocals), Mick Rossi (guitar), Brian "Mad Muffet" Grantham (drums) and Howard "Zip" Bates (bass).

Interestingly enough, the name "Slaughter & the Dogs" was actually created by singer Barrett in 1975 by combining the names of Diamond Dogs and Slaughter on 10th Avenue, two of his favorite albums. They were one of the first punk rock bands in North West England and supported the Sex Pistols at their now-legendary gig at Manchester Lesser Free Trade Hall on 20 July 1976. This concert, more than any other single event, spawned Manchester's punk scene, which was concentrated around the Electric Circus Club.

The truly massive-sounding album kicks off in true frenetic punk style with "Trust (All I Want From You)" and backs it up with both "Hollywood Whores" and the aforementioned Bolan classic "Get It On (Bang A Gong)". The latter is actually really good, but plays it all too safe by following all the hook lines that Bolan himself created back in the day a wee bit too perfectly. Their flare for pop rock sensibilities come to the fore on "Someday" and "Stranded", before the ballad "Maybe If We Followed The Devil" is unleashed.

One of my own personal favorites is the mid-tempo "Ultimatum", which is followed by both "Rise & Fall Of Babylon" and speedster "You Got Class". Next up is a rather tasty morsel in the form of "Trash Talking Queen", a song that takes us right back to their early days, and the album comes to a close with both the uber Gothic "What A Day" and the fun-for-all "Situations".

Last year, the band announced a one-off 40th anniversary show, "Back to the Start", featuring the original lineup of Barrett, Rossi, Bates and Grantham. Held at the Ruby Lounge in Manchester on 9 October 2015, it was filmed for later DVD release. Also, look for the band at special live engagements including a show with The Vibrators on July 30 and at the Rebellion Festival on August 7 PLUS a full US tour later this year!